The STS Shining Example Awards recognize excellence in travel and tourism throughout the Southeast United States. Eligible nominees may be located in Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia, and the District of Columbia.

Submission Requirements

Please review the following guidelines before submitting a nomination:

• Nominations are open to both STS Members and Non-Members.
• Self-nominations, organizational nominations, and third-party nominations are welcome.
• All nominations must be submitted through the online nomination portal by Friday, July 27, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. EDT.
• Email submissions will not be accepted.
• Entries may be prepared by the nominee, their organization, or an advertising, marketing, or public relations agency on their behalf.
• Unless otherwise noted, submissions should focus on achievements, programs, campaigns, and initiatives implemented between November 1, 2024, and December 31, 2025.
• The nomination form must be completed in its entirety and accompanied by all required supporting materials.
• Each nomination must include a one-page letter of support explaining why the nominee deserves recognition.
• Supporting materials may include press releases, advertisements, brochures, news articles, campaign examples, posters, and letters of support. To ensure consistency in judging, please limit photographs and images to five (5) total, excluding logos.
• There is a submission fee of $75 per nomination for STS Members and $100 per nomination for Non-Members.
• Previous year's winners are not eligible to win in the same category during the following awards cycle.
• All submitted materials become the property of Southeast Tourism Society and will not be returned.
• STS reserves the right to combine categories with fewer than three entries, present honorable mentions, or withhold an award if judges determine that no entry meets the established criteria.

1. Campaign Overview (10 points) 
• What was the primary goal of this campaign/project? 
• Who was the target audience? (Demographics, behaviors, interests) 
• What makes this initiative unique or innovative? 

2. Strategy & Execution (15 points) 
• What research or insights informed your approach? 
• What marketing channels were used? (e.g., print, social media, digital ads, PR, partnerships) 

3. Measurable Results (15 points) 
• What were the key performance metrics? (Include actual numbers where possible) 
• How did the campaign impact the market and/or audience? 

4. Supporting Documentation (5 points)   
• Screenshots, campaign visuals, or links to digital materials. 
• Media coverage, testimonials, or additional supporting data. 

Checklist Prior to Submitting:

• Complete this online form
• Submit a (1) page letter of explanation for each entry
• Submit applicable event or company logo
• Include additional supporting materials (posters, brochures, photos). No more than (5) additional photos please
• $75/members and $100/non-members per nomination
• Questions: Contact Adrienne Gadling at adrienne@southeasttourism.org.

 

Link for Additional Supporting Documents:

Upon successful completion and hitting "Submit", you will see a "Thank you" confirmation message and also receive an email confirming receipt.